Sustainable development Code Level 3

A gated development set within the heart of Cardiff is being held up as a shining example of good sustainable practice by its builders. Constructed by Cardiff-based Ixion Developments, St Michael’s Mews in Llandaff consists of three architecturally-designed mews houses, located just off the High Street in Llandaff village. They are priced at £285,000 each.

Marketed by Hern and Crabtree Estate Agents, each of the high-specification homes has been built with a focus on sustainability at the core of the build strategy.

In 2006, the UK government introduced its Code for Sustainable Homes – citing that new homes must be scored against nine separate categories – ranging from water saving to energy reduction and ecology.

The Assembly Government has mandated that, from September this year, private housebuilders in Wales will need to achieve at least Code Level 3 – St Michael’s Mews has already achieved this and was the first in Wales to do so.

Great emphasis has been placed on energy efficiency, using some of the latest heating technology, triple glazed windows and doors, low energy lighting and the introduction of rainwater harvesting systems.

The houses at St Michael’s Mews are actually insulated to a level that requires 25% less heating than other new homes built to current building regulations.

Heating is provided by air source heat pumps – which are rapidly replacing condensing boilers as the heat source of choice in sustainable developments.

This alternative is not only more efficient than even the latest gas

boiler but, as it isn’t reliant upon fossil fuels, can help to reduce a home’s carbon footprint by up to 50%.

Rainwater harvesting – recycling of rainwater to feed toilet cisterns, for example – and water saving taps also have a positive environmental impact and will help to reduce water bills for the homes’ new owners.

All appliances – which include fridge/freezer and integrated dishwasher – are “A” rated.

Speaking about St Michael’s Mews, Huw Jones, director of Ixion said: “St Michael’s Mews is a unique city development and we are extremely pleased to have become the first private developer in Wales to achieve Code Level 3. “Our homes have the lowest running costs of any developer on the market and to find such a development so close to the heart of the city centre really is a unique selling point.”

Eco-living advocate Amy Dartington of Machynlleth’s Centre For Alternative Technology points to the insulation as the most important aspect of the houses’ green credentials.

“If you have good insulation then you’re going to be making a saving on energy and money,” she says. “You’re helping the environment and your wallet. You’ll get your investment back very quickly.

“In an ideal world people would be using natural materials but if the petrochemical route is the only one you can take then go for it. It’s better to have the insulation.”

But she points out that there are always further steps to take.

“Solar water heating is another good way to go,” she says.

“It’s relatively inexpensive and is a very efficient way to heat water.”

Managing director of Hern and Crabtree, Nigel John added: “It’s always great for us to be asked to market a property or development that boasts such distinctive features and the commitment to sustainability at St Michael’s Mews really sets it apart.

“It’s a factor that’s playing an increasing role in peoples’ decisions about purchasing a property and we’ve already seen a lot of interest from potential purchasers.”